Station, стр. 90
A snarky comment formed on Hadder's lips before hewilled it away. "Before I give you the details, may I ask why,Jackie?"
The old bag of bones shrugged. "My time here hasdrawn to a close. As I feared, your appearance expedited thatinevitability. I'm no warrior. And I'm no goddam Riser, either. Thethought of returning to the wretched Before turns my guts. So Imight as well put myself to some use. As you said, I tormented alot of residents in my funhouse. And I loved every moment of it,drank each experience down like an aged bourbon. Now that the fun'sover, maybe I owe some reparations for my actions. So, that's that.Now, what do you want me to tell that pointy-headed twat?"
Hadder grinned at the old woman. Although he stilledwanted to throw her from a building, he had to respect herdedication to her gimmick. "Tell The Krown that we will meet him inopen battle five Solays from today, on the Grasslands, at thelargest point of the Idol Moon. Winner takes all. No survivors. Noprisoners."
Jackie Crone turned her head and spit on the porch;a dark green loogie hit the wood with a loud splat. "Well, you allare certainly letting your balls hang. No shame in that. I'll tellthe freak."
With that, Jackie Crone began down the steps of theporch, her careful movements showing the effects of age. Haddercalled after her. "Jackie, make sure you return swiftly after."
Jackie responded, but refused to turn back to thegroup. "Silly boy. You'll get the answer you seek, I'm sure. But Ivery much doubt that I'll be returning to deliver it to you."
Several of the resident Setters were formersoldiers, had previous martial arts training, or simply hadparticipated in numerous street fights in the Before. Hadder andGlen watched as these men and women trained small groups throughoutThe Royal Jelly's lawn. Looking to his right, Hadder watchedas Jonny VV worked with a woman named Israel Izzy as she showed himvarious Krav Maga techniques. Near the edge of the lawn, his oldfriend Goldie was learning how to slip a punch from Tender Hollins,an accomplished boxer in his former life.
Glen commented from Hadder's left. "Well, we're allgonna die. But we ain't gonna go out like punks. Everything's goingwell, brother."
As Glen spoke, Hadder's attention was drawn to thesouth side of the lawn. "And it may get better yet, Glen."
From one of the southern pathways, Lester Midnight'smuscled doorman Gondo entered the lawn, pulling a large cart behindhim. He spotted Hadder from across the grass and approached, thewagon banging loudly. Gondo dropped the handles as he nearedHadder, wiped his brow as he panted. Although the doorman stillwore his black suit pants and high-gloss dress shoes, he hadstripped down to his wife-beater, showing off his impressive, nodoubt Elevated, muscles. His bone mohawk shined white under theSolay's rays.
"Well met, Gondo. What brings you here today? Quitea load you have there."
"It's heavier than it looks," said Gondo as he shookHadder's hand. "Good to see you, Hadder, I've been following yourexploits from afar. No news or gossip fails to reachBiomass."
"So, I've learned."
"Anyway, I just wanted to say that I respect whatyou're doing here. We can't just let those monsters moonwalk intothe Before. We all failed that place one time; no need to make it ahabit."
"Well said, Gondo. Now, what have you brought?"
"A gift from Lester Midnight. Here's the note thatgoes along with it."
Gondo handed Hadder the folded message. Hadder wasrelieved to see that it was written on plain paper this time ratherthan someone's flayed skin. He opened the note and read the messagealoud.
"Greetings, darling. While skin, muscle, and bonewill always be my favorite medium, sharpened metal is a distantsecond. Please accept some of my past works as a donation to thecause. Please don't judge them too harshly. I know they appear abit ostentatious, but trust that they'll sever bone like butter.See you at the party. Kisses. LM."
As Hadder recited Lester Midnight's words, Gondopeeled away the canvas covering from the cart to reveal a stockpileof ornate bladed weapons. Hadder shielded his eyes as the rays ofSolay reflected off the highly polished surfaces of the handcraftedblades. Hadder and Glen moved towards the cart like children onChristmas morning who just received what they desperately wanted,but were too shy to request. An assortment of weapons littered thecart, including knives, hand axes, an array of swords, lances,halberds, and several unusual creations that were foreign toHadder. Each weapon was decorated with scrollwork, gemstones, andother cosmetic embellishments.
Glen gingerly picked up a beautiful Bowie knife,tested its edge. "It's sharp. It's really fucking sharp."
"They all are," said Gondo. "And strong, too. Theymay look as if they were made for the movies, but Lester doesn'tmake things that don't function."
Images of Lester Midnight's “Biomass” display andhis description of the exhibit assaulted Hadder. "I know what youmean. Lester has our sincere thanks. What about you, Gondo? Willyou stay with us for a bit? We could use a man with your size andskills."
Gondo shook his head. "Nah, I must get back toLester. But don't worry, we'll be by your side at the Fall. Whichreminds me, Lester wanted to know when the Great Battle will takeplace."
"If all goes to plan, it will be four Solays fromtoday, at the heaviest of the Idol Moon."
"Then, I'll let Lester know."
"Gondo, one more thing. The Haela before the Fall,we're going to gather one last time here on the lawn. Have onefinal Bash, say goodbyes properly this time. I would love you bothto join us."
"I'll pass your invite along, Hadder. But nopromises. Lester is in the process of closing down the museum, sohe's been busy terminating his displays."
"Sounds somber."
"There's much cleanup. Now I will leave you. Don'tworry if you don't see us at the Bash. Look to your right at theGreat Battle. Lester and I will be there."
Glen turned to Hadder after Gondo left. "So, I guesswe should start distributing these weapons."
Hadder sifted through the